KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Local Cat Haven Reacts to Deadly Tiger Attack in San Francisco

Local Cat Haven Reacts to Deadly Tiger Attack in San Francisco

By: Norma Yuriar & Ashley Ritchie

A valley wildcat haven says that unlike the zoo, Project Survival's Cat Haven only gives visitors guided tours, which means there is always a supervisor at hand.

The sanctuary is located about 40-miles east of Fresno, on East Kings Canyon Road in the city of Dunlap. The up close and personal encounters with wildcats is what draws thousands of visitors to the cat sanctuary in Fresno County each year. 

"I think this is great! This is the closest we have ever been to tigers," said Lupe Wong. 

The Bay Area woman says she and her family are regulars at the San Francisco Zoo, but drove to Dunlap to face their fears of Big Cats.

"My son heard about the mauling and I thought what a great time to come here and show them the tigers because there is nothing to be afraid of.  We are going to keep going to the zoo."

But unlike the zoo, the exotic cats who live here are all born and raised in captivity and familiar with people.

"If I had fear I would not be doing it, so the fear isn't there, respect is," said Cat Haven Founder Dale Anderson. 

The former pilot who opened the sanctuary ten years ago says most animals in captivity will not attack unless provoked. 

"There are always consequences when you don't do what you are suppose to do.  That's why we stress around here. If you obey the rules then everything is safe around here and if you don't obey by the rules anything can happen and that's the same thing that happened in San Francisco," said Anderson.  

Wong said Sunday's attack was unfortunate.

"But that's not going to stop us from seeing the tigers again."

Project Survival's Cat Haven is home to 25 Wildcats from all over the world.